Parental Controls – Google Family Link

The first thing you want to do before setting up Parental Controls is to have a Google Account for both the parent and the child. You can do this through the set up process or you can create a gmail for both parties prior to the set up process.

Download Google Family Link

To set up Google Family Link and a Google Account for a child or parent you’ll want to first go to the Google Play Store and download the Google Family Link App. Once you do this you can follow the instructions on screen to set up a Google Account for your child if you don’t already have one. You can also access Parental Controls through:

• Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
• Then scroll down to Parental Controls and tap on Set Up Parental Controls
• You can then set up an account for a Parent or a Child which we’ll go over in the steps below separately.

Note: You can use Google Family Link on any device whether it be Apple, Samsung or any other android device. Your child can have a Google Pixel and you can still manage parental controls from an iPhone for example.

Set Up Parental Controls On A Child’s Device

• To set up Parental Controls on a child’s phone access Parental Controls then tap on Get Started.
• Then choose whether you’re going to set up the device for a Child or Parent. In this case we’ll choose Child or Teen.
• Read the onscreen instructions then tap Next.
• You’ll then want to select the Google Account that is signed into the device or select Add or create account for your child if you haven’t already.
• If you need to create an account for your child then you will simply make a gmail and fill out all of the child’s personal information (name, date of birth etc.)
• Then you will want to connect it to a parent’s account. Enter in the parent’s Gmail and password then continue.
• Read the onscreen text if you want to learn more or continue to click more at the bottom right hand corner of the app screen until you reach the bottom.
• You will then enter in your child’s Google Account password and select Agree then select Allow in the pop up window.
• On the next screen you will go through the list and choose which apps you want to allow your child access to. You can always go back and alter allowances later in the app.
• Then you will be brought to the Manage Filters and Settings screen. Again, you can always alter these settings once Parental controls are set up. Tap on Next to continue.
• You can then install Google Family Link from the following screen or click Skip to continue.
• Now that Parental Controls are all set up for your child, you can then choose to Review Controls or swipe up to close the app and exit from the screen.

Set Up Parental Controls On A Parent’s Device

The easiest way to set up Google Family link on a parent’s device is to start with your child’s phone first and follow the instructions above. 

• Then Open the Google Family link app after downloading it on your phone and if you’ve already set up your child’s phone then keep your child’s phone near you.
• Then tap Next > Continue > Yes > Done, and that’s it!
• • OR

• To set up Parental Controls on a parent’s phone access Parental Controls then tap on Get Started.
• Then choose whether you’re going to set up the device for a Child or Parent. In this case we’ll choose Parent.
• You’ll then be asked if your child has a Google Account. If you followed the above instruction then you will tap on Yes. If not you will need to set up a Google Account for your child by selecting No.
• On the next screen you will need to Get Your Child’s Device, then tap on Done.

Manage Your Child’s Phone

Once you’ve set up Google Family Link you will have a variety of management options listed below:

Purchase & Download Approvals

• Go to your child’s phone in the app and go to Controls > Content Restrictions > Google Play > Purchase and Download Approvals. Then you can choose:
  • All content
  • All paid content
  • Only in-app purchases
  • No approval required

Manage Browsing On Chrome

• Go to your child’s phone in the app and go to Controls > Content Restrictions > Google Chrome. Then You can:
  • Allow all sites
    • Except the ones you specifically choose to block
  • Try to block explicit sites
    • This will help block sexual and violent content but I will say it isn’t perfect.
  • Only allow approved sites
    • All web activity will be blocked unless you approve specific websites.

Manage Screentime

You can manage your child’s screen time by locking down your child’s phone during certain times of the day and they will only be allowed to access authorized apps, emergency services, and make and answer phone calls.

Childs Device

• To edit daily limits on your child’s device go to Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > Daily Limit > then input your Parent Access Code.
• Then you can select an amount of time per day that your child has access.

Parents Device

• Open the Google Family Link App.
• Then tap Controls > Daily limit.

Manage Downtime

Screen time allows you to set an amount of time each day that your child can use their phone, downtime on the other hand will allow you to select a specific time each day where they can’t use their phone if you want them to have a break.

Childs Device

• To edit downtime on your child’s device go to Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > Downtime > then input your Parent Access Code.

Parents device

• Open the Google Family Link App.
• Then tap Controls > Downtime.

Find Your Child’s Location

Important: In order to see your child’s location, their location needs to be set up and turned on.

Set Up Location

• Open the Google Family Link App and tap on Location > Set Up > Turn On.
• If you have more than one child, specify which ones you want location on for.

For better location accuracy:

• To turn on your child’s location, open the Google Family Link App and tap on Location.
• Select your child, then in the top right corner of the app screen tap on the More Icon (three vertical dots) > Location Settings > Select your child’s device > High Accuracy.
• .

Change Your Child’s Location Settings

• To turn on your child’s location, open the Google Family Link App and tap on Location.
• Select your child, then in the top right corner of the app screen tap on the More Icon (three vertical dots) > Location Settings > then make sure location is On.